A deck needs a railing to enclose it. The railing isn't just for safety reasons but a deck can help define a deck and help frame your deck in its environment. Just because you built your deck out of wood doesn't mean that your railing needs to be made out of wood, as well. There are other material choices other than wood, and there are other species of wood that you can use for your railings.
Metal
Metal railings are a good choice as they are strong, lightweight, and can be much smaller than a wood rail. Metal railings require special tools and skills to build which may make a metal railing a tough choice for the do-it-yourselfer. You can have metal railings professional made at a metal working shop and then install them yourself. If you decide on metal railings, you must also decide on the type of metal to use. Traditionally, wrought iron has been used for railings. Wrought iron is fairly inexpensive, easy to work with, and strong. However, since it is made if iron, it is subject to rust and corrosion so it must be painted periodically. Aluminum is lightweight and rust resistant, but it does corrode in salty environments. It does not need to be painted. Stainless steel is another good choice as it doesn't rust or corrode, but it is much more expensive. Stainless steel is a nice choice for railing posts with stainless steel cables run between the posts as railings.
Vinyl
Vinyl railings are less expensive than metal but more expensive than wood. They are easy to work with and can but cut and drilled with normal woodworking tools. They are also maintenance free which makes them easy to take care of. However, your choice of colors is quite limited and vinyl does not take paint well if you want to change your color later on. Vinyl railings come pre-assembled in standard lengths and install quickly and easily.
Wood Wood is the easiest material to work with, is the least expensive, but requires the most maintenance over time. Wood needs stained, painter, or sealed to survive the elements. However, most people can work with wood using standard tools and a minimal level of skill. Plus, repairing wood railings is easier. Wood comes in a variety of species that have different attributes depending on your geographic location, weather resistance requirements, and budget.
No matter which material you choose for your railing, there is certainly a material that will fit your needs, aesthetics and budget. Visit your local home supply center or lumberyard to see all the different material choices available for you deck railing.
Bridgeview, South San Francisco, Connecticut, South Euclid, Canby, Bremerton, Enid, Kalispell, Waco, Leominster, Chino Hills, Evergreen Park, Girard, Salem, Fort Payne, Cranston, Massachusetts, Cleveland, Oregon, Ruston, Mississippi, Whitefish Bay, Willoughby, Sanford, Lincoln Park, Bend, Asheboro, Hemet, Colorado, Greenville, Vermont, Central Falls, East St. Louis, Fort Dodge, Chickasha, North Arlington, Mount Vernon, Kaukauna, Somers Point, Colonial Heights, SeaTac, Blue Springs, Boulder City, Covington, Yakima, Killeen, Loveland, Valdosta, Mesquite, Corona, Millbrook, Oklahoma, Marshall, Rogers, Mitchell, Ocean City, Pendleton, Shawnee, Wilmington, Madison, Suisun City, Calabasas, Wildwood, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Eastlake, Westmont, Mansfield, Keizer, Dover, Bloomington, McAllen, Wilkes-Barre, Ashwaubenon, Lansdale, Highland, Norristown, Goose Creek, Kentwood, Auburn Hills, California, McHenry, West Fargo, Middletown, Shelbyville, Clayton, Kirkwood, Decatur, Mission Viejo, Chino, Machesney Park
Comments page 0 of 0
Click here to add a comment
There are currently 0 comments to display.
<>
How to Build Your Deck Or Patio Structure to Last
By Neal Franson What is the biggest mistake made when building a deck or patio structure? Here's some tips to build your project to last! [READ FULL ARTICLE]
Magic the Gathering Deck Building Course 5 - Understanding the 5 Mana
By Michael Ki Fai Wong Before you choose your Mana color and start building your first deck, you must first have at least an overview of all 5 Mana colors and their characteristics. Red Mana represents the power of fire. It is an aggressive and destructive power. [READ FULL ARTICLE]
How to Build a Gazebo
By Michael Justice If you are looking to spruce up a boring spot on your lawn, consider adding a gazebo. Gazebos make wonderful places to sit and relax with friends or alone. And in addition to that, they make fantastic focal points for your garden design. [READ FULL ARTICLE]
Building An Outside Deck
By Ron King Although building an outside deck can be a huge undertaking, it is a great place for many activities -- sunbathing, barbecues with friends, a safe place for the children to play, or a hot tub. To name a few. [READ FULL ARTICLE]
Private Deck Plans and Care to Maximize Your Own Backyard Living Space!
By K Bray This is the time of year when our thoughts turn to outdoor activities. Fun and enjoyment out in the sun and warm air is on everyone's mind and we can hardly wait. A great spot to get the most of the short summer season is outdoors on a private deck. Here you can visit with guests, use it as your dining room or just sit a read or relax. If you want to build a deck to get prepared for entertaining now is certainly the time to get started to take advantage of the nice climate. If you have a deck, you need to make sure it's in tip top shape to prepare for the season. [READ FULL ARTICLE]
